"My---ancestors?"
Zell barely managed to mutter, still confused from what he had just heard.
That the two men before him were his ancestors.
"Truly?"
Zell asked mentally, finding such a sudden revelation a bit hard to swallow.
But after taking a moments to compose himself somewhat and think, his shock managed to die down, and he started thinking things through.
'Its unbelievable---but still, plausible I guess. The force is able to link a person to their past and future to certain extent. Plus given the unique nature of this place, I suppose all this can be believed as genuine. Though I must say I'm surprised to see that some of my ancestors were also jedi'
He known from his lessons at the jedi temple that it was possible for force sensitives to peer into glimpses of the past and future. This was especially true at locations strongly attuned to the force.
But because normally such things would only involve viewing scenes or events from past.
Speaking to actual people who were once lived but have now passed away was unheard of.
"Well, to be more accurate we're more like echoing fragments of your ancestors. Our really selves obviously passed on from life several thousand years ago. But all those strongly connected to the force can have pieces of them selves preserved within the greater hold of the cosmic force"
'The Cosmic force? Are they referring to the wellspring from which the Living Force, , and----uhm? and?---hm? I'm sure I read about that in the achieves. But--strange-- I can't seem to recall much on it'
Zell tried to remember what he knew about the cosmic force after hearing it mentioned, but was having difficulty recalling much about it, even with his photographic memory
The cosmic force was a concept of the force that Zell surprising had little knowledge about, even with the endless amount of time he put into his studies.
This is because the cosmic force is concept the jedi neglect, due to them being more focused on the living force, the energy of all life.
'Wait now isn't the time to be thinking about that! These guys just said their my ancestors!'
"That's right, the two of us that you see before you are simply reflections of those are long gone from this life, so you should----Um? hello, Zell, hello? are you listening?"
"Hey, you alright, you still with us?"
Seeing that Zell's mind was elsewhere, the two tried calling out to him to get his attention back.
While Zell was trying hard to digest and make sense of this news.
That is until he realized the two men were staring at him.
"I apologize, I have a nasty habit of getting trapped in my own head when I think on sometime important or surprising"
Zell gave another bow.
"That's all right, I'm glad to see that you have such an analytical mind. It will serve you well in the times to come. But for now we really must be moving this meeting along, we've already wasted to much time with pointless banter", and "
"Uhm? why, what's the rush?"
Zell asked.
"Well you see this space though incredible isn't the most stable and can't be maintain for long. So we have a short window to speak"
Suddenly a small subtle tremor rippled throughout the area. Causing Zell and the two men to shake back a forth a bit. The very air itself felt as if it was vibrating and fluctuating.
This easily caught the attention of the three.
"What was that?"
Zell asked worriedly, taking a step back to stabilize himself due to the sudden phenomenon.
"Like my brother said this place can't be maintain for long. That tremor was a sign, showing that this space is all ready starting to come undone. So its best we get to it quickly before miss our chance completely"
One of the man said with haste, as the clock was ticking.
"lets start with introductions shall we. First, my name is Ulic and this is my younger brother, Cay" Ulic said finally revealing their identities to Zell.
"In life we hailed from the planet Alderaan, and just like you do now, we served as members of the jedi order long age"
'Ulic and Cay? ---- those names---sound familiar, why?----Wait----it can't be?!'
It took Zell only a few seconds to recall why those names were so familiar, but soon he recalled why they did.
'Can it really be them, Ulic and Cay Qel-Droma?!'
"I can't believe this. Are the two of you truly Ulic and Cay Qel Droma"
Zell asked with a calm face contrary to his racing mind.
He knew Ulic and Cay Qel Droma as legendary members of the jedi order. Most noticeably from the recorded records that told of the monumental roles they played during the 'Great Sith Wars' long ago.
"We are. It would seem we are remembered after all brother"
"I can confidently say that's true. The two of you are remembered as legends within the order. There are texts within the archives that depicts your stories, especially yours master Ulic. A set of poems dubbed the Qel-Droma Epics"
Cay smiled as he listened to how Zell's spoke of how he and his brother were not forgotten within the anoles of history.
But Ulic, though similarly pleased was less so than his brother. After all unlike his younger brother, his tells were ones that were filled with many acts of great tragedies and shame, all done by his own hands.
"Then Zell, please tell me honestly, even now does the memory of my fell and failings remain with the jedi?"
A pained expression overcame Ulic as guilt and sorrow swelled within himself as he inquired about his dark past.
"How I fail to dismantle the Krath from within after infiltrating it. How I fell to the darkside and became the apprentice to Exar Kun. How---I--struck down my own brother"
Ulic uttered his words with a chilling voice devoid of warmth and filled with self-loathing. Cay like wise displayed much sadness as he listened Ulic torture himself, becoming pained from recollecting his past evils.
"-----"
"Yes--- it is remembered"
The atmosphere turned silent at Zell answered.
"Many know how you were turned to the dark side, and of the many life that were claimed by your hands"
Ulic only listened to Zell. Griping his fist tightly, unable to refute the truths being spoken. After Ulic was corrupted and joined Exar Kun, he fought side by side with the cultists and his dark master killing many. A good many of the slain being jedi as well.
"But, they also know how you were able to break free of the darkside. How after you were stripped of the force you were brought back to the light. How you aided the jedi against Exar Kun"
Unwilling to allow Ulic to continue wallowing in his mistakes, Zell spoke on not only the bad but also the good he Ulic did, actions that aided the jedi in their time of need. And while these words didn't erase the things Ulic did, they at least showed that the bad things weren't the only things that made up his legacy.
Ulic's grim expression relaxed after hearing that he wasn't remembered solely for the evil and pain he inflicted on others.
"And how after Exar Kun was defeated, you went into a self imposed exile. And how at the time of your death, you perished while saving master Vima Sunrider. Who you trained yourself to be a jedi, even without the force, when you were cut off from it"
Hearing the mention of his first and only apprentice Ulic smiled as memories of Vima Sunrider came to him.
"I'm sure that many within the order to this day still views your story as a harsh lesson, that should be taken to heart. That shows even a gifted jedi can loss them selves and stray.---And while that is a valuable lesson, I'd like to believe that just as many views your life as I do, an example that none are beyond redemption. That even when lost deep in the dark, we all have a chance to find our way back"
Zell said looking at Ulic.
Who in turn remained silent and only trembled slightly in place, overcome by emotion.
Cay stepped to his brother side and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you Zell, those words mean much, to my brother and myself"
Pleased that he could some what ease Ulic's feelings Zell nodded as he watched the two.
******
After Cay's thanks, He and Zell waited for Ulic to finish composing himself before resuming their conversation.
"Please forgive me for making you wait, and for my shameful display. Now then, for the core of what we must discuss, Zell we are aware that you have for seen a great conflict that will engulf the galaxy"
"--Yes I have, but how did you know about it?"
"The force can grant many blessings. And given our current state of being we are more connected to it than we ever were, when we were alive. And through it we have been shown what you have seen. As well as what you hope to do"
"Zell you want to some how stop this great war from coming to pass, don't you?"
"---Yes"
Ulic and Cay gave each other concerned looks before turning back to Zell. Then Cay spoke.
"Zell---please listen to what we are about to say carefully"
He started off in a disheartened tone
"Its admirable that you want to stop the great tragedy that you know is coming. Such spirit truly show cases your qualities as a jedi. But---- You won't be able to prevent its arrive. It is inevitable"
"Huh? what---do you mean, inevitable?"
Zell asked hesitantly, almost not wanting to hear the answer.
"Zell, there are forces at play, moving in the shadows, manipulating not only people, but corporations, and even governments. Working to ensure that what you saw comes to pass. And they hold such power and influence in the galaxy that no one person can stand against them, not even a Jedi"
"And if you try to interfere in their plans in any way before you are ready, they will seek you out and they will kill you---or worse"
"Forces? manipulating governments? what are you talking about? Are you saying that there is some sort of mastermind or group trying to orchestrate what I saw? Who?"
Up on till this day Zell had always theorized the war he visioned was possibly driven by two opposing sides who were just fighting over resources, territory, or just do to a simple misunderstanding.
You know, common reasons for war. And the conflict had unfortunately just garnered the interest and involvement of other parties, causing it expand and engulf the galaxy.
But from what the two have just told him, Zell now had to consider that, that might no longer be the case. Seeking more information he asked straight forwardly, who is behind it.
But Cay remained silent, unwilling to answer. So Ulic spoke up in his brother's place.
"We're sorry Zell, but we can't tell you. Just know that the events of the visions you've seen are more complicated and dangerous than you know"
"Can't tell me? Why not? if nothing is done to prevent it an astronomical amount of innocent lives will be loss"
"Zell like Ulic mentioned earlier the force grants many blessings, but at the same time it has its own rules. At present one such rule prevents us from revealing too much about the future to you. I'm sorry"
Zell wanted to push Ulic and Cay for more info since what they knew could be crucial to stopping the impending war. But after the two mentioned how the force its self was stopping them from revealing that knowledge, Zell was out of luck.
He understood the force could work in---inconvenient ways sometimes. Right now being a perfect example, so he refrained from pursuing the topic any more. But that hadn't convinced him to abandon his goal.
"Ok, you can't tell me everything, but still, I can't do nothing when I'm aware of what's going to happen. If I don't act so many will perish"
"Then answer us this Zell, do you know who will create the clone army you saw?"
"Or even who created the droid army?"
"Do you have the resources, equipment, man power, or influence to force both sides to negotiation ,to end things peacefully. Or to forcefully stop them when the fighting starts, to stop them before the conflict escalates?"
Zell wanted to respond but his words were caught in his throat, along side a deep sick feeling in his guts that gathered from hearing the questions. Do to him had no positive answers to anything he was asked.
For years since when he had his first vision Zell had always pushed himself to improve, to become stronger, more knowledgeable and capable. In hopes that when a chance revealed its self to change the future he would be able to.
But Ulic's words cut deep into his soul, and forced him to consider facts he had not thought of up till now.
No, that isn't true, they were things he actually did considered early on, but had kept in the back of his mind. Do to how daunting they appeared.
First, he lacked the essential details needed to take real action. Such as who exactly were leading/behind the factions of the war, locations of were it will all start, and so on. Without such intel Zell wouldn't be able to change anything before it starts.
Second, the fact that his own personal strength won't be enough by any means. No one jedi, not matter how powerful can stop a war that span the galaxy.
To think otherwise would be the height of arrogant.
Finally accepting these facts, a disheartened Zell dropped his head and stared at the ground. The shift in the conversation had worn on his spirit, shaking his confidence.
'Can--I really-- not stop this'
Doubts and fear began to eat at his thoughts, his once stout will beginning to crack. The task before him, for the first time started to seem impossible.
Seeing their descendant in such a state the brothers grimaced, feeling bad that they were the cause of Zell current inner turmoil.
"Zell, you----!"
Ulic, who was about to try to comfort Zell was interrupted.
As if on que an enormous chilling shattering sound exploded from high above them. Startling Zell, making him look up to see web like cracks quickly weaving and spreading downward along the white space.
"What is this?!"
Zell asked concerned, as small pieces of white shards began breaking off and falling down from above, from the cracks. Showing a dark void that lied beyond.
"Well, brother its seems we've run out of time"
Ulic said
"Zell, there was more we wanted to go over with you but it seems now is not the time"
Ulic walked up to Zell, knelt down to meet his eye level, placing a hand on Zell's shoulder.
"But remember this if nothing else, on the path you may walk know that you will face moments of great tribulation. At times you may question the direction you are going, and you will feel the weight of actions"
Zell held his breath as he listened.
"When those times come----do not faulter. Do not hesitate. And always remain true to yourself"
"But you just said I wouldn't be able to stop what coming! So what you mean don't faulter. What actions can I possible take now!"
"In time you will know the answer"
Cay said with an apologetic smile, since he know he and his brother were now giving Zell mixed signals. With no real solutions.
"What?! You know I would really appreciate it if you gave me a straight answer! Not more cryptic messages!"
"-----"
"-----"
"One can not stand alone against the current of destiny. Only with something bigger than one person, can hope rise. The key lies in these words"
"With it you won't be able to change fate, but you will be able to meet it"
After saying these final words of advice, the forms of Cay and Ulic faded, vanishing on the spot, leaving Zell both stunned and alone.
Frustration settled in Zell, he was unable to get any proper answers, and was left many questions after speaking with the Qel Dromas.
But those feelings quickly dissipated as he refocused his attention on the more pressing matter unfolding around him, the rapidly disintegrating space he was still in,.
'You know, Its bad enough they left me with this massive headache, you'd think the least they could do is tell me how to the exit this place before they disappeared'
As the collapsing space deterioration accelerated Zell worried if he would suffer any drawbacks if he remained here when it was completely destroyed. But right when he had that thought, one of the countless falling shards slowed its descent and began releasing a radiant light that shined brighter than all the rest, illuminating the entire area.
"What the?"
Catching Zell's notice he watched as it floated down, stopping in midair, right in front of himself.
Perplexed at the object before him Zell stared at it in puzzlement. Then suddenly in his mind he felt as if something was trying to speak to him. It was the shining shard. No real words were spoken but Zell could more or less feel and understand the shard's general intentions and feelings. Both being conveyed to his mind.
From what he could make out it greeted him and said it was looking forward to being by his side.
Zell found this strange not understanding what it meant, but he smiled and chuckled at it regardless, wanting to show it he was a friend. As he raised his hands to be just underneath the shard, as if catching.
"I'm not sure how we'll be together exactly but, I look forward to working with you too, I guess"
The shard then settled down onto his palms and he cupped his hands over it, the instant he did the white space finished breaking down entirely. And as the darkness enveloped him, his intuition told him he would be fine.
Zell's mind soon blacked out again.
*************
Back inside the ice cave on the outstretched cliff overlooking the whirlpool Zell was lying unconscious on the ground, motionless, completely dry as if he had never jumped down into the whirlpool below at all.
He remained still until a water droplet from an above hanging ice stalactite fall and landed onto his cheek. The coldness from the drop jarring him awake.
Raising to his feet he recognized his current spot as the place he was at previously. The only difference being that the previously passageway he had used to enter the chamber that ended up sealed was now open again, giving him an exit.
"I guess this means I can leave now. This has been quite the mind opening experience, a bit stressful though. I can't wait to return to the crucible and rest"
Zell said while mentally sighing, and rotating his shoulders, trying to relieve his tension.
As he walked back down the way he came he opened his left hand, which he noticed had been clutched shut the entire time since when he had waken up. Feeling a small object inside. Opened, he peered at a shard like mineral resting on his palm. It was a kyber crystal.
"---- Well it was worth it to get you. Though you look a bit different then when we were in the white space, by the way"
Zell said to the crystal as it emitted a dim yellow hue, as if to respond to Zell's banter. This crystal was the shard the he had meet earlier.
Zell placed it in one of his jacket pockets for safe keeping and went on his way.
'Only with something bigger than one person, can hope rise'
The words of Ulic and Cay still rung in Zell's mind.
He hoped to decipher there meaning in time, but now was not it.
For now, he had to simply keep moving forward, down his own path as best he can. Wherever it may lead.
A short time later, Zell emerged from the cave and saw two younglings chatting with master Fay and professor Hyuang while showing off their own crystals, showing that like Zell they had completed the rite.
Inwardly he was a bit disappointed that he hadn't finished first out of the group, but that was truly of little consequence to Zell. Ignoring the feeling he moved to join the others.
As he got closer professor Huyang noticed him.
"Welcome back initiate Mooncrest and congratulations! Master Fay another initiate has returned"
Fay turned to see Zell walking their way and likewise was delighted to see another youngling complete another important step to becoming a full fledge jedi.
"Excellent, I'm pleased to see you well Zell Mooncrest, I hope your journey through the cave was not too arduous and enlightening"
She said with a smile.
"It was---an experience I will remember, master Fay. It has given me much to think on regarding my future"
Fay raise an eyebrow, intrigued by Zell's comment.
"Quite the curious thing to say initiate, would you like to share you experienced with me"
Fay offered, wanting to aid the youngling before her.
"Sometimes it can be difficult to understands the things one sees in Illum's crystal caves. Perhaps I can help you interpreter their meaning and give clarity"
Zell appreciated appreciated master Fay's kind gesture, but his instincts told him it would be better to keep what he saw and heard to himself for the time being.
If it became widely known that he was of Qel-Droma descent he feared he may be placed under extra scrutiny and observation from the jedi and the high council. But more importantly if what his ancestors had told him was true, if there were dark schemers moving in the shadows, Zell couldn't risk them catching wind that he may be aware of their existence. Making himself a target.
Plus he believed the order would probably just dismiss his visions, just like they had done in the pass, when he was younger. Thought at the time he was only three, so the words of a three year old wouldn't be the most convincing.
And even if by chance the order did take him seriously any open action they might take to hunt down these masterminds risked alerting them and putting them on guard. Once again possibly placing him in their crosshairs, do to Zell being the cause of the jedi taking action.
And while Zell thoughted the jedi would easily reveal he was the source of the intel, the chances of a possible leak at some point is never zero.
So resolved to remain quiet for now.
"Thank you master Fay, but if possible I'd like some time to ponder on it by myself for a time"
Zell said rejecting her offer respectfully.
"I see, I must say now you've peeked my curiosity even more, but I understand and I will respect your privacy, I shall not pry farther. But please to seek me should you change your mind"
"I will, thank you master Fay"
Two more hours would pass before the remaining initiates returned from the cave, all of whom managed to gain their crystals. After a short congratulatory speech from master Fay, all would board the Crucible and depart Illum, heading back to Coruscant.